Sony NEX-3N vs Panasonic GM1

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Sony NEX-3N vs Panasonic GM1

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APS-C 366.6mm²
16.1 megapixels
ISO 200 - 16,000

Go in depth with our full Sony NEX-3N Review.
See real-world photos taken with the NEX-3N.

4/3 224.9mm²
16.0 megapixels
ISO 200 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Panasonic GM1 Review.
How does it shoot? Panasonic GM1 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the GM1.
Compare Panasonic GM1 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Panasonic GM1 conclusion.

Succeeded by the Sony A5000
Compare NEX-3N vs A5000

Succeeded by the Panasonic GM5
Compare GM1 vs GM5

Compare SONY A5000 vs PANASONIC GM5

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Differences

Sony NEX-3N advantages over Panasonic GM1

Larger sensor
APS-C vs 4/3
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Less expensive
$500 vs $750 (MSRP)
Save money for lenses or accessories
Bigger pixels
~ 4.78 vs 3.77 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
In-camera panoramas
Yes vs No
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Tiltable vs Fixed
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
NEX-3N test data on DxO Mark GM1 test data on DxO Mark

1,067 vs 660 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

480 vs 230 shots
Capture more photos
More telephoto lens reach
75 mm vs 64 mm
Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
Higher max flash sync
1/160 vs 1/50 sec
Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
Bulb shutter
Bulb vs No bulb
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Panasonic GM1 advantages over Sony NEX-3N

Lens selection
Excellent vs Good
Better lens selection gives you more options
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Fast startup
~0.90 vs 2.2 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
Lighter weight
279g vs 389g
Lighter weight
Higher-res screen
346k vs 154k pixels
More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
Less shutter lag
0.19 vs 0.27 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Faster JPEG shooting
9.9 fps vs 4.0 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Bigger JPEG buffer
10 vs 6 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light
Higher extended ISO
25600 vs 16000 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

Focus peaking
Both provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

Eye-level viewfinder
Neither provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Top deck display
Neither provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
External Mic Jack
Neither provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Hot shoe
Neither provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Sony NEX-3N

Sony NEX-3N

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Buy the Panasonic GM1

Kit with 12-32mm Lens

Review Excerpt

Excellent image quality for an entry-level mirrorless; User interface ideal for consumers stepping up from point-and-shoots; Speedy and accurate autofocusing; Zoom lever on body; Tremendous value.
Lack of hot shoe or accessory port limits more advanced shooting; No electronic viewfinder; Performance lags behind previous model, especially on burst shooting speed.
Read our Sony NEX-3N Review

Large Four Thirds sensor is impressive for a camera this small; Shares sensor and processor of GX7; Excellent image quality with class-leading high ISO performance; Responsive all-around performer; AF system is fast and accurate; Easy to use and responsive touchscreen; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Lightweight and pocketable design makes it easy to carry everywhere.
Can be awkward to use with larger lenses; Rear dial is easy to accidentally press; Lacks a hot-shoe for EVF or external flash; Weak built-in flash; 1/50s flash sync; No 1080p60 video; No external headphone jack or mic input.
Read our Panasonic GM1 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Sony NEX-3N

Sony NEX-5R

$449
APS-C

Less expensive
Higher effective ISO

$499
APS-C

Touchscreen
Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Sony NEX-5R

Panasonic GM1

Sony NEX-5R

$479
4/3

Lens selection
Internal flash

$499
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Sony NEX-5R

Compared to Samsung NX1100

Sony NEX-3N

Samsung NX1100

$449
APS-C

Lens selection
Focus peaking

$450
APS-C

Built-in Wi-Fi
Higher-res screen

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Samsung NX1100

Panasonic GM1

Samsung NX1100

$479
4/3

Lens selection
Focus peaking

$450
APS-C

Less expensive
Larger sensor

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Samsung NX1100

Compared to Sony NEX-5T

Sony NEX-3N

Sony NEX-5T

$449
APS-C

Less expensive
Longer stills battery life

$299
APS-C

Touchscreen
Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Sony NEX-5T

Panasonic GM1

Sony NEX-5T

$479
4/3

Lens selection
Internal flash

$299
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Sony NEX-5T

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Sony NEX-3N

Panasonic GM5

$449
APS-C

Less expensive
Larger sensor

$898
4/3

Lens selection
Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Panasonic GM5

Panasonic GM1

Panasonic GM5

$479
4/3

Less expensive
Internal flash

$898
4/3

Eye-level viewfinder
In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Panasonic GM5

Compared to Panasonic GF7

Sony NEX-3N

Panasonic GF7

$449
APS-C

Less expensive
Larger sensor

$590
4/3

Lens selection
Touchscreen

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Panasonic GF7

Panasonic GM1

Panasonic GF7

$479
4/3

$590
4/3

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Panasonic GF7

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